What kind of wine is Barbaresco 'Nervo' DOCG 2021 - Rizzi?

Barbaresco 'Nervo' DOCG 2021 - Rizzi is a red Piedmontese wine of great elegance and structure, produced exclusively from Nebbiolo grapes, the symbolic grape variety of the Langhe. It originates from vineyards located in the geographical mention "Nervo," one of the steepest and sunniest areas of Treiso, where the exposure and the calcareous-clay soil favor perfect ripening and wines with a profound character. Full-bodied yet refined, this Barbaresco fully represents the Rizzi winery's style: balance, authenticity, and aging potential.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate, with regular temperature trends and excellent day-night temperature excursions. This allowed the Nebbiolo grapes to reach full ripeness, preserving freshness and aromatic complexity. The harvest was done manually in the first ten days of October, selecting only the best bunches directly in the vineyard.

Vinification and Aging

After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and left to macerate on the skins for about 3-4 weeks, the time necessary to extract color, aromas, and tannins. Alcoholic fermentation takes place traditionally, followed by malolactic fermentation – a natural process that makes the wine softer and more harmonious. The aging of Barbaresco 'Nervo' DOCG 2021 - Rizzi takes place in large Slavonian oak barrels for 12 months, then in concrete tanks for another 6-9 months. Subsequently, the wine rests in the bottle, where it further refines before being released to the market.

Tasting Notes

Barbaresco 'Nervo' DOCG 2021 - Rizzi is a wine with an elegant profile, built on balance and gustatory length.

Color

Visually, it presents a brilliant garnet color, typical of great Nebbiolos, which with evolution tends towards more orange nuances.

Nose

The bouquet is complex and refined: notes of ripe red fruits, such as cherry and currant, stand out, followed by floral hints of violet and spicy accents of pepper, licorice, and sweet tobacco. With oxygenation, slight balsamic and mineral nuances also emerge.

Palate

On the palate, it is harmonious and structured. The tannins – the natural substances that give the typical dry sensation in the mouth – are well integrated and contribute to a great overall elegance. The body is full, the gustatory texture fine, and the persistence long and enveloping, with a finish that recalls the fruity and spicy notes perceived on the nose.

Pairing Barbaresco 'Nervo' DOCG 2021 - Rizzi with food

This wine best expresses its potential when accompanied by dishes with character. Ideal with:

• roasted or braised red meats;
• typical Piedmontese dishes such as braised beef in Barbaresco or bollito misto;
• aged and hard cheeses, such as Castelmagno or Parmigiano Reggiano;
• risottos with porcini mushrooms or truffles.

Thanks to its balance and good acidity, it also pairs well with game dishes or preparations based on legumes and delicate spices.

Storage and aging – how to store Barbaresco 'Nervo' DOCG 2021 - Rizzi wine

Barbaresco 'Nervo' DOCG 2021 - Rizzi is a wine with great evolutionary potential. If stored correctly – horizontally, in a dark environment with a constant temperature between 12 and 16 °C – it can refine for over 10 years, developing increasingly complex aromas and tertiary nuances of undergrowth, leather, and sweet spices. It is advisable to uncork the bottle a few hours before serving, or to use a decanter, to allow the wine to best express its aromatic richness and its rare elegance.